Joshua Joe Hansen, of Prior Lake, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at the age of 41. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 5:00 PM with visitation two hours prior at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake. Rev. Diana Hunstad will preside.
On April 11, 1974 Mark and Nancy celebrated the birth of their beautiful baby boy, Joshua Joe. Shortly after Josh was born, his family moved to Rosholt, SD. Josh loved growing up on the family’s grain farm. When he and his siblings weren’t helping out with chores, they were enjoying the outdoors. They loved to hunt, fish, snowmobile and ride 4 wheelers together.
During high school Josh was active in athletics. He played football and basketball and developed a life-long passion for sports. Josh graduated from Rosholt High School in 1992. After high school, Josh attended North Dakota State Science College to study graphic design and earned his Associates Degree. He then moved to Minnesota to pursue a career in his profession.
Josh was a hard worker and very skilled in his trade. He worked as the Pre-Press Division Manager for RR Donnelley for 17 years. He then moved to IWCO in Chanhassen where he had an opportunity to manage a number of different divisions, including Pre-Printing, Creative Utility and Planning. Josh was very driven and was on his way to taking on even more responsibilities in the years to come.
When Josh was 25 years old he was blessed with a son. Nate was truly the light of Josh’s life. Josh loved being a dad, and he was great at it. Josh passed on his creative spirit and talents to Nate. A little later in life, Josh was lucky enough to become a dad to Mallory and Luke as well. Josh loved his kids more than anything and would do anything for them.
About four years ago, it was suggested that Josh get to know a woman named Eryn Bartels. Josh and Eryn corresponded for a few weeks before finally going on date. Even before meeting her in person, Josh knew that he loved Eryn. It wasn’t long before Eryn felt the same way. Their love continued to grow, and after a year of dating they got engaged and made a commitment to spend their lives together.
Eryn and Josh loved spending time together with their family. They were always running the kids to all of their different activities. Josh loved to coach the kids’ sports teams, and Eryn would be on the sidelines cheering the team on to a victory. Josh and Eryn had a shared love for all things sports, and they loved cheering on the Vikings together. They spent every Sunday at home together as a family watching the games. Josh was truly a family man, and he cherished every moment spent with the ones he loved the most.
One of Josh’s passions in life was the outdoors. He loved being at the family cabin in Nisswa or just sitting around the bon fire at home with a Coors Light in his hand. Josh also took an annual ice fishing trip with his brothers, and they always had a great time.
During the early morning hours of July 15, 2015, Josh passed away suddenly in his home. Josh’s life ended much too soon, but he was able to help many people through his final act of generosity as an organ donor. Josh will be remembered for quick wit and life-of-the-party personality. He was caring, loyal, smart and generous. Josh was truly an all-around great guy.
Josh will be deeply missed and remembered always by his loving fiancé, Eryn Bartels; children, Nathan, Mallory and Luke; mother, Nancy (Myles) Peterson; siblings, Matt (Amber) Hansen, Jayson (Jennifer) Hansen, Carly (Eric Geffre) Peterson, Dean (Danielle Knowdel) Peterson; many nieces and nephews; special four-legged friends, Otis and Marvin; other loving relatives and many dear friends. Josh will be greeted in Heaven by his father, Mark Hansen; grandparents; uncle, Bob Lillehaug; aunt, Carla Hansen; cousins, Danny Lillehaug and Shelley Stark.
The Hansen family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation.
